Word Origin & History

also marquess, c.1300, title of nobility, from Old French marchis, literally "ruler of a border area," from Old French marche "frontier," from Medieval Latin marca "frontier, frontier territory" (see march (n.1)). Originally the ruler of border territories in various European regions (e.g. Italian marchese, Spanish marqués); later a mere title of rank, below duke and above count. Related: Marquisate.

Example Sentences formarquis

The Marquis found Vienna less gay than it was on his former visit.

The Marquis made a round of the principal of those mansions.

But the Marquis has no mercy on the performances of poor Miss Pardoe.

The Marquis had naturally expected to find him in the midst of pomp.

Cannot we go to them, who do not seek the hospitality of the marquis?

This Margaret was travelling with the Marquis of Morella, was she not?

"You find the scene strange, Marquis," said the ambassador, glancing at him shrewdly.

Was the nursing of my betrothed one of those services, Marquis?

That for the marquis will be drugged, since he must not see too clear to-night.

And the answer, "Because she is in love with the marquis herself, and cannot bear to stay."